November 13, 1924 - October 22, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness the family of Jeanette Podovelnikoff announces her passing on October 22, 2023, in the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, at the age of 98, just 3 weeks shy of her 99th birthday.
The daughter of Charlie and Mable Leonhart, Jeanette was born in Nelson on November 13, 1924. She grew up with her grandfather and step-grandmother on their Rosemont farm land which is now known as the Back 9 of the Nelson Golf Course.
After high school, she moved to Vancouver and attended Normal School to become a Home Economics Teacher. In 1943, she returned to Nelson and began her teaching career at the Vallican School. In 1948, she married Fred F. Podovelnikoff, and soon after purchased property in Slocan Park. While building their family home they completed their family with 3 children, Robert, Richard and Evelyn. In 1964, she returned to teaching at the Slocan Park School, and when the Slocan Park School closed, she moved to Brent Kennedy Elementary. She and Fred retired during the 1980s and spent their early retirement years travelling to Europe, across Canada, to Russia, with frequent trips south. In 1998, Fred, her husband of 49 years, passed away and she was now living on her own. In 2004, she downsized and moved to Stellar Place, where she actively and happily resided until her passing.
Jeanette was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend to anyone who knew her. She enjoyed everything, whether it was baking, cooking, gardening, canning, sewing, needlepoint or school work, and they were all done to a very high standard. She particularly enjoyed baking and loved to share her goodies with family and friends. She was an avid reader and kept up-to-date on current events. She also enjoyed writing poetry, documentaries, musical concerts and travelling, including a trip to Hawaii.
She is survived by her son Bob (Lorraine) Podovelnikoff, son Rich Podovelnikoff, and daughter Evelyn (Allan) Shkuratoff; five grandchildren: Scott (Wendy) Podovelnikoff, Jessica (Matt Pommier) Podovelnikoff, Alexander (Sandy Chu) Shkuratoff, Anna Shkuratoff and Eddie Podovelnikoff; four great grandchildren, Reilly Podovelnikoff, Allyson Podovelnikoff, Mya Pommier and Henry Pommier, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jeanette's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Peter Zaytsoff for conducting the funeral service, Dr. Megan Taylor and the doctors, nurses and nurses' aids at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital for their exceptional care, Bill Strilaeff, the Castlegar Funeral Chapel, the grave-diggers, The Garden of Eden Florist and Kim's Creations.
The family would also like to thank everyone for their kindness, love and support, words of comfort, flowers, sharing stories and memories, and joining us in celebrating the life of our special mother. May God bless you all.
The funeral service was held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Castlegar Funeral Chapel, followed by the internment at the Slocan Park Cemetery and luncheon held at the Slocan Park Hall.